My Time: Martin Architectural Group celebrates 50 years with a Titans of Development Cruise

Courtesy photo/John Bildahl Photography

Drew Dolben, left, of Boston, talks with Martin Architectural Group CEO Chuck Harker on the Titans of Development Cruise.

Drew Dolben, left, of Boston, talks with Martin Architectural Group CEO Chuck Harker on the Titans of Development Cruise. (Courtesy photo/John Bildahl Photography)

The Martin Architectural Group, with local project projects including the Annapolis Towne Centre and Village at Waugh Chapel, is known for its sustainable design practices and placemaking experiences hosted a Titans of Development Cruise on June 15. Martin is responsible for major projects all along the East Coast and into the Midwest.

CEO Chuck Harker, from Annapolis and Philadelphia, said the event was held in honor of the company's 50th anniversary as a premier architect for the private development industry. Harker and his partners hosted 50 local and national developers on board the yacht Lady Sarah chartered from Watermark Cruises.

Some of the local developers aboard included Greenberg Gibbons, Bozzuto Companies, Sturbridge Homes, Hyatt Properties, The Hogan Companies, Petrie Ventures, The Reliable Companies and St. John Properties. National clients included The Dolben Companies of Boston, Brookfield Homes, Beazer Homes and K. Hovnanian Homes.

Hamilton Chaney said the afternoon was "time well spent with the most dynamic and active developers, builders and contractors in Maryland — a powerhouse of a group."

Brian Gibbons, of Greenberg Gibbons, said Martin "has been instrumental in creating many of our landmark projects over the years and they certainly have left a significant positive mark throughout the entire mid-Atlantic region."

His colleague Kim Potember said she had "a wonderful time on the water. I had the opportunity to meet many industry leaders I had not seen in some time. It was great to be onboard and a big accomplishment for Martin."

The cruise lasted three hours, leaving from City Dock in Annapolis and cruising out to the Bay Bridge and up the Severn River to Round Bay. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the sunshine and breeze of the top deck. During the cruise, Harker suggested renaming the Severn River to "The River of Titans" as he counted 11 of the developers onboard lived along its shores.

Clients on board hailed from Boston, Cleveland and Atlanta. The award for "Best Island Spirit" went to Drew Dolben, of Boston. Kopf Developers of Cleveland received an award for the client with the longest relationship, having worked with Martin for more than 40 years.

Food was catered by Ken's Creative Kitchen, and Caribbean steel drum music was provided by Orlando Phillips, both of Annapolis.